Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Today's Mass Readings

Jesus’s parents brought him into the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the ancient custom of presenting the firstborn child before the Lord. The prophet Malachy foretold that the messenger of the Lord would come before the Lord, and the Lord himself would come to the Temple. We see this fulfilled when Jesus entered the Temple. We believe Jesus Christ is Lord. He entered the Temple as Malachy foretold.

This can be seen as religious fidelity. There are times where our religious observance will be a struggle. Life can deal us a hard hand from time to time. We have so much to do and so many expectations. We show up to Mass and it is hard to be present. Monks can tell you a thing or two about that. We pray for several hours every day. It can be a struggle to stay present during those times. Still, take a monk’s word for it. Fidelity to prayer and to religious observance does bring us closer to God.

Simeon in today’s reading had been awaiting “the restoration of Israel.” The Holy Spirit revealed to him he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. He had kept his religious observance faithfully. He then felt great joy to behold Jesus. He could then say to the Lord “let your servant go in peace. You fulfilled your word. My own eyes have seen the salvation…” We have this opportunity to meet Jesus every time we come to Mass. Let us persevere, as Simeon did, in honoring our religious observance, to meet our Lord who always keeps His promises.

Reflection: When a candidate comes to be ordained to Holy Orders, their name will be called and they respond “present.” Can you say you are present when you come to Mass? What can you do to be fully present when you arrive at Church?

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB